Hastings law modernizes missing persons investigations starting Jan. 1

SPRINGFIELD — According to the Department of Justice’s National Missing and Unidentified Persons System, Illinois has 461 open missing persons cases. Starting Jan. 1, law enforcement will take a new approach to these cases, thanks to a new law championed by State Senator Michael E. Hastings.

“I teamed up with the Cook County Sherriff’s office to do a detailed review of how current law affects these investigations,” said Hastings (D-Frankfort). “Through that review we were able to find areas where we can modernize and become more efficient.”

The new law eliminates any law enforcement policy requiring the observance of a waiting period before accepting a missing persons report. The law also requires information from a missing persons report to be immediately entered into the Law Enforcement Agencies Data System upon reception of a report. Law enforcement agencies will now adopt a strategy regarding missing persons investigations, reporting and follow-up action.

Read more …

Hastings: A major step forward in modernizing our state

SPRINGFIELD ─ Illinois is entering a new era of innovation. This week, Illinois officially launched digital driver’s licenses and state identification cards, giving residents a secure, modern and convenient way to carry their credentials on their smartphones. As the chief sponsor and author of the legislation that made this advancement possible, State Senator Michael E. Hastings is proud to see this vision become a reality for Illinois families.

“This is about building a smarter, safer and more convenient future for the people of Illinois,” said Hastings (D-Frankfort). “We set a bold goal, and through strong collaboration and leadership, we delivered.”

With this launch, Illinois residents with an iPhone can now add their state ID or driver’s license to the Apple Wallet. Support for Google and Samsung devices will follow in 2026.

Digital IDs offer:

• Greater convenience: Identity verification at airports, businesses and events becomes faster and easier.
• Stronger privacy: Share only what is necessary, such as verifying age without revealing your address.
• Enhanced security: Your mobile ID stays encrypted and under your control at all times.

This digital credential serves as a companion to your physical ID during the transition period.

Read more …

Hastings insurance reform legislation passes Senate

SPRINGFIELD — State Senator Michael E. Hastings advanced legislation designed to protect homeowners from excessive insurance rate increases and ensure fairness, transparency and accountability in Illinois homeowners insurance.

"With this legislation, we are putting fairness and accountability back into the system," said Hastings (D-Frankfort). "Here is what this means for Illinois homeowners — no more surprise renewals, no more fine print, no more ‘gotcha’ letters in the mail.”

Read more …

Hastings announces legislation to ensure fair homeowners insurance rates for Illinois families

SPRINGFIELD — State Senator Michael E. Hastings was joined at a press conference Wednesday by Senators Willie Preston, Paul Faraci, Meg Loughran Cappel, Christopher Belt and Doris Turner to announce new legislation designed to protect homeowners from excessive insurance rate increases and ensure fairness, transparency and accountability in Illinois homeowners insurance.

"When you open that renewal notice from your insurance company and your premium has gone up 30% or more, it is like stepping on a Lego at six in the morning — you didn’t do anything wrong, but you are definitely feeling it," said Hastings (D-Frankfort). "Across Illinois, homeowners insurance premiums have jumped 20% to 30% over the past year. Our neighbors are asking themselves, 'What did I do to cause this? I did not file a claim. I did not move. I did not change a thing, but my rates still went up.' And they are right to ask that question.”

For too long, Hastings said, the deck has been stacked in favor of large insurance companies that have turned inflation into a corporate get-rich scheme.

"Life is not always fair. You fix the leaky faucet and the dishwasher quits. Your kid throws up a game winner and it smashes the neighbor's window,” said Hastings. “Life is not always fair, but that is exactly why we have to be.

Read more …